Review of McDowell

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Jacy Covers
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Review of McDowell

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[Following is a volunteer review of "McDowell" by William H. Coles.]
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5 out of 5 stars
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McDowell by William H. Coles is a riveting fictional narrative revolving around a conceited, self-absorbed surgeon who, in his relentless pursuit of professional eminence, remains indifferent to the collateral damage he inflicts. Hiram McDowell, a globally renowned surgeon, stops at nothing to ascend to the pinnacle of his profession, manipulating his acquaintance and colleague, Michael O'Leary, into endorsing his candidacy for the esteemed International College of Surgeons presidency. McDowell dangles the allure of an executive directorship before Michael, contingent upon securing sufficient votes. Yet, upon clinching the presidency, McDowell reneges on his promise, igniting Michael's resolve for retribution and McDowell's eventual downfall.

McDowell, a seasoned mountaineer, relishes scaling the world's loftiest peaks and demonstrates altruism by founding a charitable institution and erecting a hospital in Nepal for the impoverished. His reputation precedes him, fostering an aura of invincibility until tragedy strikes. Jeremy, McDowell's grandson, perpetrates a school shooting, leaving a trail of devastation in his wake. McDowell grapples with a profound moral quandary: should he alleviate Jeremy's inevitable suffering by facilitating his demise, or risk losing everything in the process?

Coles deftly navigates the complexities of character development, imbuing the narrative with a palpable sense of intimacy. Alongside McDowell, central figures include his daughter, Sophie; his son, Billie; and Paige, a journalist chronicling McDowell's life. Secondary characters emerge as paragons of compassion, leaving an indelible imprint on McDowell's journey. The narrative unfolds with relentless momentum, ensnaring the reader's attention with its intricacies.

Sophie's evolution captivates, with her struggles serving as poignant markers of personal growth. McDowell's flagrant objectification of women, juxtaposed with his towering ego, positions him as a compelling antihero—one simultaneously captivating and repugnant. The denouement delivers an unforeseen twist, eliciting gasps of disbelief from readers—a testament to Coles' narrative acumen.

This literary gem boasts impeccable editing, as it is without errors. While the narrative navigates profanity and intimate encounters, its substance transcends gratuitousness. Thus, this boom earns a resounding rating of 5 out of 5 stars, offering a profound exploration of hubris and its perilous ramifications. There was nothing to dislike about the book. 

I wholeheartedly recommend the book to aficionados of fiction craving a poignant, swiftly paced narrative. Coles' opus stands as a testament to the fragility of human pride and the precipitous nature of our descent from grace.

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McDowell
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